In a highly anticipated return to the court, Carlos Alcaraz showcased his resilience and skill by defeating Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, at the Italian Open on May 9, 2025. The match marked Alcaraz's comeback following a brief injury layoff that had sidelined him from the Madrid Open last month.
The world number three, who is just 22 years old, had been dealing with hamstring and groin injuries sustained during the Barcelona Open final, which ultimately forced him to withdraw from the Madrid event. However, Alcaraz was determined to make a statement in Rome, and he did just that, winning the match in just over an hour.
Alcaraz started the match with an impressive display, breaking Lajovic's serve multiple times to establish a commanding lead. He quickly went up 5-1 in the first set and, despite dropping his serve briefly, broke back to close it out in 43 minutes. "The body is feeling great," Alcaraz said in a post-match interview. "I made a few good sprints today without any pain. It was great. I think I passed the test." His confidence was evident as he moved fluidly around the court, showing no signs of the injuries that had previously plagued him.
Throughout the match, Alcaraz wore a black brace on his right leg, a reminder of his recent struggles, but it didn’t hinder his performance. In total, he registered 24 winners against 24 unforced errors, showcasing his aggressive style of play. "It was a great performance today, a great level," Alcaraz remarked, expressing his surprise at the quality of his play. "I’m really happy with that."
With this victory, Alcaraz improved his clay-court record for the season to 10-1, solidifying his status as a formidable competitor as he prepares to defend his title at the upcoming French Open, starting on May 25. Looking forward, he is set to face either American 31st seed Alex Michelsen or Serbia's Laslo Djere in the next round of the Italian Open.
The Italian Open has been a significant tournament for Alcaraz, albeit with mixed results in previous years. He missed the 2024 edition due to injury and faced an early exit in 2023, losing in the third round to Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan. However, this year, he aims to make a deeper run and potentially claim his first title at the tournament.
Alcaraz's return to form is particularly noteworthy given the backdrop of the tournament, which is also seeing the return of top-ranked Jannik Sinner, who is coming off a three-month doping suspension. Alcaraz expressed his enthusiasm for Sinner's return, stating, "It is great for me, for tennis, for the fans to have him around again. Hopefully, I’m going to meet him in the final." This potential matchup adds an exciting layer to the tournament as both players are on opposite sides of the draw.
As Alcaraz continues to regain his footing in the tournament, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will perform against tougher competition. His recent form suggests that he is not only back but also ready to compete at the highest level. His ability to bounce back from injury and deliver such a strong performance speaks volumes about his determination and skill.
In the women’s draw of the Italian Open, Aryna Sabalenka also made headlines with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 victory over Anastasia Potapova, showcasing her own readiness as she vies for the title. With both Alcaraz and Sabalenka making strong statements in their opening matches, the Italian Open promises to be an exciting showcase of tennis talent.
Looking ahead, the stakes are high for Alcaraz as he aims not only to advance further in the Italian Open but also to defend his title at Roland Garros. As he prepares for his next match, the young Spaniard remains focused on improving and maintaining his form. "I think my level is in a good spot," he said, reflecting on his preparations and outlook for the upcoming challenges.
In conclusion, Carlos Alcaraz's successful return to the court at the Italian Open sets a promising tone for the remainder of the clay-court season. As he continues to build momentum, all eyes will be on him as he strives to reclaim his spot at the top of men’s tennis.
